Old building gets a brand new look in downtown Ocean Springs

About 400 additional square feet are being added to the structure, for a total of 3,400 square feet of floor space. (Photo source: WLOX)

They aim to make the building functional and beautiful once again. (Photo source: WLOX)

Work is underway to bring back the shine of an earlier era. (Photo source: WLOX)

Mohler added that modern touches are on the work punch list. (Photo source: WLOX)

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) -

A buzzing saw is the sound of history being preserved in Ocean Springs. Work is underway to bring back the shine of an earlier era.

It was badly needed. Mark Mohler is the co-owner of the business.

"Well, the building had some structural issues that had to be addressed on the inside of it, and also much of the exterior lap siding was rotting. We had some water leakage issues," Mohler explained.

Mohler added that modern touches are on the work punch list.

"On the inside, we're going to totally remodel and replace the interior walls, carpeting, ceilings and stuff of that nature, and more up to date lighting," Mohler said.

The company is currently operating at a temporary location. Scott Lemon, another co-owner, can hardly contain his joy about what's to come.

"It's extremely exciting to re-do something in downtown Ocean Springs. It's a huge investment for us and our employees. Carry on a tradition of both of our families, Mark's and mine, to be a part of Ocean Springs for generations to come," Lemon said.

While members of the Mohler and Lemon families are understandably proud and excited about rebuilding this little piece of history in downtown, longtime employees of the company are even more excited about moving back home. One of them is Brittany Mayfield.

"It's very encouraging. We are excited to get back, and then the other employees who went to different offices are going to come back to our office, so we'll all be back together," Mayfield said.

Despite all the changes on the way, one thing was most important to Mohler.

"We are very concerned about maintaining the historic integrity of the building and also making it functional," said Mohler.

They aim to make the building functional and beautiful once again.

About 400 additional square feet are being added to the structure, for a total of 3,400 square feet of floor space. Company officials say they hope to have the building re-opened by February of next year.

Lemon-Mohler employs about 30 people, half of which will work in the renovated building.

Residents are still taking additional measures to stop the violence in Moss Point. Saturday afternoon, an outreach program on Main Street continued its efforts in the fight that's been going on for the past weeks.

Residents are still taking additional measures to stop the violence in Moss Point. Saturday afternoon, an outreach program on Main Street continued its efforts in the fight that's been going on for the past weeks.